Coupling homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis for enhancement of HCOOH electrooxidation the dehydrogenation pathway.

The homogeneous/heterogeneous catalyst combination of VO in anolyte with Pd/C at the anode is first introduced in a formic acid fuel cell to enhance HCOOH electrooxidation. The VO/Pd catalyst combination establishes a stepwise reaction pathway involving HCOOH dehydrogenation to form V from VO reduction and subsequent V electrooxidation to regain VO. The fuel cell with the VO/Pd combination presents a peak power density of 341.